Prashant Kishor's Insight: The Hardening Trajectory of BJP Leadership

Prashant Kishor discusses the evolving hardline nature of BJP leadership, suggesting Modi's tenure might seem softer in future. He credits Jan Suraaj's padyatra for pressuring Congress to act. Bihar elections loom with dates pending from the Election Commission.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor provided an in-depth analysis on Thursday, addressing his earlier comments regarding the increasing hardline stance of the BJP's leadership. He forecasted that future leadership could make current Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach seem moderate by comparison.

Kishor elaborated on the ideological evolution within the BJP across three regimes: those of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and the current PM Modi. He noted that while Vajpayee was seen as the face of soft Hindutva, Advani was perceived as a hardliner. Today, he suggested, Advani's reputation might pale when contrasted with Modi's perceived intensity. Kishor warned this trend of hardening perspectives may persist, suggesting that in the next 10 to 15 years, leadership could assume an even more stringent stance.

Responding to Congress's 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra' in Bihar, Kishor attributed their street presence to pressures from his party's padyatra. He emphasized that their activism led to increased pensions and doubled salaries for cooks, along with new benefits such as free electricity units. Regardless, upcoming Bihar elections, slated for October or November, await an official timeline from the Election Commission.

(With inputs from agencies.)